JoAnn Burnham's Facebook page shows a photo of her with her husband, George, around the time of their 50th wedding anniversary. The DeSoto County Sheriff's Office alleges their 49-year-old son, Karl, beat George to death Thursday, and critically injured JoAnn. Karl later was taken into custody after he and the couple's Lexus were found in Orange County, Fla.

SUN PHOTO BY SUSAN E. HOFFMAN

The Burnham home, on the 2400 block of Northwest Owens Avenue in DeSoto County, was marked off with crime scene tape Friday morning. George Burnham was discovered dead Thursday, and his wife, JoAnn, with critical injuries, allegedly at the hand of their son, Karl.

By SUSAN E. HOFFMAN

Staff Writer

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DESOTO COUNTY — A sad family tale unfolded Thursday night when a man allegedly beat both his parents — killing his father and leaving his mother with critical injuries — according to the DeSoto County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputies arrived at the Burnham house, on the 2400 block of Northwest Owens Avenue, shortly after a 911 call came in at 5:15 p.m. The 911 caller was screaming “hysterically,” according to a DCSO press release, but officials were able to learn the couple’s Lexus had been stolen. Deputies found George Burnham, 79, dead, and his wife JoAnn, 72, in critical condition. Both reportedly had been beaten with an unspecified blunt object. JoAnn was transported to an area hospital for treatment of her injuries, but she was able to speak with deputies when they arrived at the scene, according to the press release.

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